School Safety

As I continue speaking with first responders, parents, and community members throughout my campaign trail. I keep hearing the same concern that they feel not enough is being done to protect our schools, and that deeply concerns me. Protecting kids has always been a priority. They are our future, and we owe them a safe place to learn and grow.

During my career with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, I was an integral part of the development and implementation of the Center for Safer Schools, created after the Sandy Hook tragedy to help schools prevent threats and improve emergency coordination. Today, the Center for Safer Schools is part of I.S.A.A.C. — North Carolina’s Intelligence Sharing and Analytical Center — strengthening its ability to identify threats, share information, and support schools statewide. I also partnered with the Department of Public Instruction to expand school safety checks, resulting in thousands of trooper visits to schools across the state. That work gave me firsthand insight into how planning, training, and collaboration save lives.

Keeping Our Children Safe Requires Leadership.

I am committed to increasing school safety by partnering with schools, fire departments, and law enforcement to develop effective drills, realistic practices, and joint training for emergency situations, including active shooter response. I will use my experience to help schools implement best practices, improve preparedness, and ensure our students and staff are protected.

Experience matters. Preparation matters. Partnership matters.